Hanger having a locking bar

ABSTRACT

A hanger having a first hook portion extending above a central body portion has at least one arm extending laterally outward from the central body portion to a first distal end. At least one locking bar has a first end and is secured along the first arm extending adjacent the first arm to a second end. Additionally, at least one support bar can be provided having a third end and secured along the first arm extending beneath the first locking bar to a fourth end. Either or both of the second and fourth ends may extend beyond a midpoint of the hanger. A second support bar and/or a second locking bar may be provided. The locking bar deflects under the weight of the hung article to engage an article between the locking bar and a support.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/606,516, filed Jun. 23, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of hangers and moreparticularly to a hanger having a locking bar for securely suspending anarticle.

2. Description of Related Art

Many types of hangers have been developed for suspending a foldedarticle, e.g., a pair of trousers. For various reasons, all have provenunsatisfactory. Taking first the most basic example, a triangular-shapedtwisted wire hanger. This proves incapable of holding most foldedarticles, unless the article is precisely balanced over lower the bar ofthe hanger, because of the narrow diameter and smooth surface of thewire. To overcome this problem, a paperboard insert is often placed overthe bar. An adhesive or friction-enhanced coating may also be applied tothe upper side of the insert. The width of the paperboard insert, incombination with the increased friction of the surface, either naturalor enhanced, can accommodate some imbalance, thereby improving results,but not to the desired holding capacity and reliability. It would alsobe advantageous to provide a single piece hanger adequate to reliablyhold a folded article.

Another unsatisfactory solution is shown schematically in the Prior Artexample of FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, a hanger, generally 2, has solidlower bar 4 to support a folded article. Provided beneath the lower bar4 extending below the bar and inward from each end are holding tabs 6.In use, the intent of this device is that the article is folded over thelower bar 4, and then positioned between the bar 4 and the tabs 6. It ispresumed that the friction of the article against both the lower bar 4,and the tabs 6, and itself are adequate to prevent an unbalanced articlefrom sliding off the lower bar 4 in most circumstances. In practice,however, results are unsatisfactory. First, there are circumstanceswhere the article is very sheer and simply does not provide adequatefriction to hold even the slightest imbalance. Additionally, even formost garments that can provide nominal friction, the tabs 6 are tooshort to appreciably hold the article. In addition, the short length ofthe tabs 6 makes them largely inflexible. It is therefore difficult toposition the article between the lower bar 4 and the tabs 6 as intended.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome these and other drawbacks in the prior art,provided herein is a hanger having a first hook portion extending abovea central body portion, first and second arms, each extending laterallyoutward from the central body portion to a respective first and seconddistal end. A first locking bar has a first end and is secured distallyalong the first arm extending inward towards the central body portionbeneath the first arm to a second end. A first support bar has a thirdend and is secured distally along the first arm extending inward towardsthe central body portion beneath the first locking bar to a fourth end.A second support bar has a fifth end secured distally along the secondarm and extends inward towards the central body portion beneath thesecond arm to a sixth end.

In a further embodiment, the hanger further includes a second lockingbar having a seventh end secured distally along the second arm andextending inward towards the central body portion beneath the second armand above the second support bar to an eights end.

In an alternate embodiment of a hanger according to the presentinvention, the hanger comprises a first hook portion extending above acentral body portion, first and second arms, each extending laterallyoutward from the central body portion to a respective first and seconddistal end. A first locking bar having a first end is secured along thefirst arm and extends inward toward the central body portion and beneaththe first arm to a second end. A first support bar having a third end issecured along the second arm and extends inward towards the central bodyportion at least to the second end of the first locking bar and beneaththe first locking bar to a fourth end.

In yet another embodiment of a hanger according to the presentinvention, the hanger comprises a first hook portion extending above acentral body portion, a first arm extending laterally outward from thecentral body portion to a first distal end. A first locking bar having afirst fixed end is secured along the first arm and extends inward beyonda midpoint of the hanger and beneath the first arm to a first free end.A first support bar having a second fixed end is secured distally alongthe first arm and extends inward beyond a midpoint of the hanger andbeneath the first locking bar to a second free end.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a lower surface of thelocking bar and/or an upper surface of the support bar are provided withcomplementary profiles, such as flat, convex or concave curvatures,saw-tooth, S-curves, or V-shapes.

In yet another embodiment of a hanger according to the presentinvention, the hanger comprises a first hook portion extending above acentral body portion, and first and second arms, each extendinglaterally outward from the central body portion to respective first andsecond distal ends. A first locking bar has a first end secured to thehanger and extends adjacent the first arm to a second end, wherein thefirst locking bar is dimensioned to deflect to interface a support undera predetermined minimum force.

In a further embodiment, the support comprises one of the first arm, anda first support bar having a fifth end secured to the hanger andextending adjacent the first locking bar to a sixth end. Also in afurther embodiment, the first locking bar is positioned above the firstarm. A second similar locking bar may also be provided.

Also provided according to the present invention is method for hanging aflexible article including providing a hanger having at least a hookportion, a support bar beneath the hook portion and a flexible lockingbar between the support bar and the hook portion, and folding theflexible article over itself at least once. One side of the foldedarticle is positioned between the locking bar and the support bar;another side of the folded article is positioned above the locking bar.The weight of the article deflects the locking bar into engagement withthe support bar, thereby securing the side of the folded article locatedtherebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, advantages and benefits of the presentinvention will be made apparent with reference to the followingspecification and the accompanying drawings, where like referencenumerals refer to like structures across the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a hanger according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1 a illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hanger according to a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment takenalong line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the alternate embodimenttaken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a hanger according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a hanger according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a seventh embodiment of a hanger according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a eighth embodiment of a hanger according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a hanger according to a known prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a hanger, generally 10,according to the present invention is illustrated. Hanger 10 has a firsthook portion 12 for engaging a bar or other support by which the hangercan be supported. Beneath the first hook portion 12, a first arm 14 anda second arm 16 extend laterally outward, typically, but notexclusively, in a coplanar fashion, from a central body portion 18.Central body portion 18 need only be as large as necessary to joineither of first and second arms 14, 16 with the first hook portion 12.In this particular embodiment, first and second arms 14, 16,respectively, sweep downward beneath the first hook portion 12 and thecentral body portion 18. This can differ, however, without departingfrom the scope of the invention. For example, the arms 14, 16, mayextend outward from the central body portion in a level fashion, or mayeven sweep upward. Either arm may sweep upward or downward, or not atall, irrespective of any sweep of lack thereof in the other arm.

First arm 14 extends laterally outward to a first distal end 20. Secondarm 16 extends laterally outward to a second distal end 22. Secured at adistal point along first arm 14 is a first locking bar 28. First lockingbar 28 extends from a first fixed end 28 a inward towards central bodyportion 18 beneath first arm 14 to a first free end 28 b.

Secured at a distal point along first arm 14 is a first support bar 24.First support bar 24 extends from a second fixed end 24 a inward towardscentral body portion 18 beneath first locking bar 28 to a second freeend 24 b. Secured at a distal point along second arm 16 is a secondsupport bar 26. Second support bar 26 extends from a third fixed end 26a inward towards central body portion 18 beneath second arm 16 to athird free end 26 b.

Secured at a distal point along second arm 16 is a second locking bar30. Second locking bar 30 extends from a fourth fixed end 30 a inwardtowards central body portion 18 beneath second arm 16 and above secondsupport bar 26 to a fourth free end 30 b.

In this embodiment, first and second locking bars 28, 30, respectively,and first and second support bars, 24, 26, respectively sweep upwardbeneath the first and second arm 14, 16, towards the central bodyportion 18. This is provided in the preferred embodiment first, toanticipate the downward deflection of the free ends, 24 b, 26 b, 28 b,30 b, under the weight of the article to be hung. As a result, the firstand second locking bars 28, 30, respectively, and first and secondsupport bars, 24, 26, respectively, approach a level condition in use.

Additional sweep beyond what is necessary to anticipate deflection canbe provided in connection with closing the space 32 and space 34 atfixed ends 30 a and 26 a, respectively. As a result, if the article wereto slip from between the locking bar 30 and support bar 26, it wouldtend to slide down the sweep into the closed end of the space, andremain suspended from the hanger 10. Similar closure can be provided atfixed ends 24 a, 28 a for similar effect.

The direction or presence of sweep in the first and second locking bars28, 30, respectively, and first and second support bars, 24, 26, candiffer, however, without departing from the scope of the invention. Forexample, the locking bars 28, 30, and the support bars 24, 26, mayextend inward toward the central body portion in a level fashion, or mayeven sweep downward, irrespective of any upward or downward sweep, orlack of sweep in the arms 14, 16. Neither is it necessary for thelocking bar and support bar to be parallel or near parallel within thescope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of hanger 10 taken along line3-3 of FIG. 1. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art thatthe following examples are merely illustrative, and variations arepossible without departing from the scope of the invention. In theexemplary embodiment, first arm 14 has the general shape of an “I” beam,with an upper flange 50 and a lower flange 52 connected by a web 54.Locking bar 28 has a generally rectangular cross section, and may havesome rounding of its corners. It is advantageous for a locking bar tohave a good deal of flexibility in both the vertical and lateraldirections, from the viewpoint of FIG. 3. However, for additionalstrength, the locking bar 28 can have an increased cross-sectional areain the region of its fixed end.

As seen in FIG. 3, locking bar 28 has a wider dimension 56 in the regionof first fixed end 28 a than either along its length or in the region offirst free end 28 b. At the point of connection of the first fixed end28 a, however, the wider dimension 56 can again be narrowed, in order toavoid stress concentrations.

In one embodiment, the lower surface 64 of locking bar 28 and/or theupper surface 66 of support bar 24 are generally flat, providing oneexample of complementary profiles. This arrangement has the advantage ofproviding more surface area, as compared to cylindrical bars, for theengagement of the article between the locking bar 28 and the support bar24 when the locking bar 28 is deflected downward under the weight of thehung article. This will be explained further with respect to theoperation of the present invention, infra.

Alternately, the lower surface of the locking bar 28 and the uppersurface 66 of the support bar 24 can be provided with complementaryand/or mating non-flat profiles, such as convex or concave curvatures,saw-tooth, S-curves, or V-shapes. Complementary profiles are thosedeigned to enhance the engagement between the locking bar 28 and thesupport bar 24, other examples of which would be opposing V-shapesarranged to engage generally point-to-point, and S-shapes or saw-toothshapes arranged to engage generally peak-to-peak. A subset of suchcomplementary profiles are those that mate together to substantiallyeliminate all space between the two, such as V-shapes, S-shapes, orsaw-tooth shapes arranged to engage generally peak-to-valley.

At the point of FIG. 3, support bar 24 also exhibits an “I” beam crosssection, having an upper flange 58 and a lower flange 60 connected byweb 62. The support bar also can benefit by additional strength at thethird fixed end 24 a. In this case, that is accomplished by varying theheight of the web 62 along the length of the support bar 24. Theexemplary embodiment employs a constant-stress method known in the art,varying the height of the web linearly with distance from the thirdfixed end 24 a. In the region of third free end 24 b, the height of web62 shrinks to nil, while the upper flange 58 and lower flange 60converge.

Referring again to FIG. 1, shown in the region of first distal end 20 isa secondary flange 21. The secondary flange connects the lower flange 52of first arm 14 with the upper flange 58 of support bar 24 to strengthenthe junction. In FIG. 3, an upper portion 21 a and a lower portion 21 bof secondary flange 21 can be seen. Second distal and 22 is alsoillustrated having a secondary flange 23.

The use and operation of the present invention will be described. A pairof trousers will be described as an archetypical folded hanging articleof clothing, however it will be recognized that the present invention isequally applicable to any flexible article, clothing or other articles.Such flexible articles can include, but are not limited to, sweaters,skirts, tablecloths, rugs, tapestries, unfinished textiles, and webs,sheets or films of paper or other material.

Returning to the exemplary pair of trousers, it will be folded at leastone time over itself prior to hanging. One side of this fold will bepositioned in the space 32 above the locking bar 30. The other side ofthe fold will be positioned in the space 34 between the locking bar 30and the support bar 26. In this position, both sides of the foldedarticle will be positioned on the same side of the support bar 26. Thisprocess is repeated on the opposite side of the hanger 10, with lockingbar 28 and support bar 24.

When suspended, the weight of the trousers will deflect the locking bars28, 30 downward into engagement with the support bars 24, 26, securelyholding the trousers in place. Once the locking bars 28, 30 and thesupport bars 24, 26, are engaged together under the weight of thetrousers, the combined vertical rigidity of the locking bars 28, 30 andthe support bars 24, 26, serve to support the full weight of thetrousers.

Other features of the hanger 10 add further utility. The locking bars28, 30, are dimensioned to have flexibility to deflect vertically underthe weight of the trousers to engage the support bar. It is alsoadvantageous for the locking bar to exhibit considerable flexibility inthe lateral direction, as viewed in FIG. 3, to aid in locating thearticle for secure hanging. This can be accomplished with appropriatedimensioning of the locking bar cross section in connection with theselection of a material having a suitable modulus of elasticity.

To further assist in positioning the article, the first free end 28 b ofthe first locking bar 28 and/or the second free end 30 b of the secondlocking bar 30 are positioned further inward than the third free end 24b of first support bar 24 and/or fourth free end 26 b of second supportbar 26, respectively. Therefore, the first and second free ends 28 b, 30b, are clear of the support bar which could otherwise obstruct access.

FIG. 1 a illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. Thishanger, generally 45, differs from the hangar 10 primarily in that ithas only one locking bar, 30, and a first and second support bars, 24and 26. In operation, the article will be positioned generally asdescribed above with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1. However, inthe absence of locking bar 28, the folded article is straddled over thesupport bar 24.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention. Thishanger, generally 400, like hanger 45 has only one locking bar, 31, anda first and second support, bars, 24 and 26. Locking bar 31 extends froma fixed end 31 a inward towards central body portion 18 beneath secondarm 16 and above second support bar 26. Locking bar 31 extends furtherbeyond a midpoint of central body 18, indicated by centerline 33, to afree end 31 b.

In the embodiment shown, locking bar 31 has proximal portion 31 e,proximal to the fixed end 31 a, a medial portion 31 f, and a distalportion 31 g. Where first or second support bars 24, 26 are providedwith upward or downward sweep, the portion of the locking bar 31 thatengages the respective support bar under the weight of the article canbe, but need not be, provided with complementary sweep.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1 b, proximal portion 31 e is sweptupward to complement the sweep of support bar 26. Distal portion 31 g isswept to complement the sweep of support bar 24. Medial portion 31 f isshown to be horizontal, however it can also have some other angle ofinclination irrespective of the proximal and distal portions 31 e, 31 g.Alternately, medial portion 31 f may be effectively eliminated, suchthat proximal and distal portions 31 e, 31 g meet at a point. Sweep neednot be discontinuous, as shown; it may take the form of a smoothcurvature. In the use of hanger 400, an article will be positionedgenerally as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a fourth embodiment of a hanger,generally 100, according to the present invention. This hanger will beseen to have many features similar to that of the first embodiment shownin FIG. 1, therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

Hanger 100 has a first hook portion 102 extending above a central bodyportion 104. First arm 110 and second arm 112 extend laterally outwardfrom the central body portion 104. First arm 110 extends outward to afirst distal end 122, and second arm 112 extends outward to a seconddistal end 124.

Secured at a distal point along first arm 110 is a first locking bar130. First locking bar 130 extends inward towards central body portion104 beneath first arm 110. Secured at a distal point along second arm112 is a second locking bar 132. Second locking bar 132 extends inwardtowards central body portion 104 beneath second arm 112.

Secured at a distal point along first arm 110 is a first support bar126. First support bar 126 extends inward towards central body portion104 beneath first locking bar 130. Secured at a distal point alongsecond arm 112 is a second support bar 128. Second support bar 128extends inward towards central body portion 104 beneath second lockingbar 132. It will be recognized that the hanger 100 of this embodimentcan be provided with only a single locking bar, in a manner similar tohanger 45, without departing from the scope of the invention.

This second embodiment 100 has additional features that make it suitablefor supporting a wide variety of articles, particularly clothing.Central body portion 104 has inclined edges 106, 108, on either side.These edges serve to support and to form the collar portion of acollared shirt or blouse that may be hung from the hanger 100. Furtheroutward along either arm 110, 112, each arm is provided with a recess114, 116, respectively. The recess shown is known in the art as a strapholder, and functions to hold the shoulder straps of a garment to behung which is so provided. The recess 114, 116, may also by providedsuch that the upper surface 118, 120 overhangs at least a portion of therecess, in order to more reliably hold the strap. Recess 114, 116, mayalso be provided with a flange on its lower surface to provideadditional width to support the strap.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of hanger 100 takenalong line 4-4 of FIG. 2. First arm 110 can be seen to have an upperflange 150 and a lower flange 152, connected by a web 154. Upper flange150 has a wider width 156 on its upper surface 118. A similarconstruction may be provided on upper surface 120 of second arm 112. Thewider width 156 is advantageous to support a jacket or other article ofclothing that would typically be suspended over the arms of a hangar.

It is, however, also advantageous to limit the width of the hanger 100,particularly at the hook. Therefore, according to the present invention,the upper surface 118 of first arm 110 has a greater width in the regionof the first distal end 122 than in the region adjacent the central bodyportion 104. In a more preferred embodiment, the width of the uppersurface 118 increases linearly with the distance from the central bodyportion 104, notwithstanding the opening for recess 114. In the morepreferred embodiment, where the recess 114 is provided with a flange onits lower portion, the width of the flange is the same as what the uppersurface 118 is at that distance from the central body 104, or would hadbeen, but for the opening of the recess. Additionally, to improve thestrength of the first hook portion 102 while maintaining a minimumwidth, the first hook portion can be provided with an additional centralrib 103.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a second hook portion 134 is located along anunderside of the first arm 110 in the region of the first distal end122. Additionally, a third hook portion 136 is located along anunderside of the second arm 112 in the region of the second distal end124. The second and third hook portions 134, 136, are useful to suspendcertain garments of clothing, for example ladies' skirts, which areoften provided with loops for that purpose.

Turning again to FIG. 4, the locking bar 130 has a greatercross-sectional area at its fixed end than at the section line, althoughthe dimension does not exceed that of any other flange. First supportbar 126 is also shown having an upper flange 158, and a lower flange160, connected by a web 162. In this particular embodiment, like thefirst embodiment, the height of the web 162 decreases linearly with thedistance from the fixed end of the support bar 126 to nil at the freeend, thereby merging the upper flange 158 and the lower flange 160.Additionally in this embodiment, width of the lower flange 160 decreaseslinearly from the free end of the support bar 126 to a widthapproximately that of the second hook portion 134.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is the outline of a secondary flange 119, namely anupper portion 119 a and a lower portion 119 b of secondary flange 119.Secondary flange 119 connects the lower flange 152 of first arm 110 withthe upper flange 158 of support bar 126 to strengthen the junction. InFIG. 2, second distal and 124 is also illustrated having a secondaryflange 121.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a fifth embodiment of a hanger, generally 200,according to the present invention is illustrated. This hanger will beseen to have many features similar to that of the first embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

Hanger 200 has a first hook portion 202 extending above a central bodyportion 204. First arm 206 and second arm 208 extend laterally outwardfrom the central body portion 204. First arm 206 extends outward to afirst distal end 210, and second arm 208 extends outward to a seconddistal end 212.

Secured at a distal point along first arm 206 is a locking bar 214.Locking bar 214 extends inward beyond a midpoint of central body portion204, indicated by centerline 216, beneath first arm 206. Secured at adistal point along second arm 208 is a support bar 218. Support bar 218extends inward beyond a midpoint of central body portion 204, indicatedby centerline 216, beneath locking bar 214. The length of the region ofoverlap 220 between the locking bar 214 and support bar 218 can bevaried, as can its lateral position along the width of the hanger 200. Alonger region of overlap will improve the engagement of the articlebetween the locking bar 214 and the support bar 218, and will improvethe ease of use, because the locking bar can be made more flexible byincreasing its length.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a sixth embodiment of a hanger, generally 300,according to the present invention is illustrated. This hanger will beseen to have many features similar to that of the first embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

Hanger 300 has a first hook portion 302 extending above a central bodyportion 304. First arm 306 extends laterally outward from the centralbody portion 304 to a first distal end 308. Secured at a distal pointalong first arm 306 is a locking bar 310. Locking bar 310 extends inwardbeyond a midpoint of central body portion 304, indicated by centerline312, beneath first arm 306. Secured at a distal point along second arm306 is a support bar 314. Support bar 314 extends inward beyond amidpoint of central body portion 304, indicated by centerline 312,beneath locking bar 310.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a seventh embodiment of a hanger, generally500, according to the present invention is illustrated. This hanger willbe seen to have many features similar to that of the first embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, therefore a detailed description will beomitted.

Hanger 500 has a first hook portion 502 extending above a central bodyportion 504. First arm 506 extends laterally outward from the centralbody portion 504 to a first distal end 508. Second arm 208 extendslaterally outward from the central body portion 504 to a second distalend 512.

Secured along the length of first arm 506 is a first support bar 514.First support bar 514 extends from a first fixed end 514 a inwardtowards central body portion 504 to a second fixed end 514 b. Securedalong the length of second arm 510 is a second support bar 516. Secondsupport bar 516 extends from a third fixed end 516 a inward towardscentral body portion 504 to a third fixed end 516 b.

Also secured along first arm 506 is a first locking bar 518. Firstlocking bar 518 extends from a fifth fixed end 518 a inward towardscentral body portion 504 above first support bar 514 to a first free end518 b. Secured along second arm 510 is a second locking bar 520. Secondlocking bar 520 extends from a sixth fixed end 520 a inward towardscentral body portion 504 above second support bar 516 to a second freeend 520 b. Hanger 500 operates in a similar fashion to the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in that the article to be suspended is placedboth between a locking bar and a support bar and above a locking bar.The weight of the article will deflect the locking bar into engagementwith the support bar, securely holding the article by the portiontherebetween.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an eighth embodiment of a hanger, generally600, according to the present invention is illustrated. This hanger willbe seen to have many features similar to that of the first embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, therefore a detailed description will beomitted.

Hanger 600 has a first hook portion 602 extending above a central bodyportion 604. First arm 606 extends laterally outward from the centralbody portion 604 to a first distal end 608. Second arm 610 extendslaterally outward from the central body portion 504 to a second distalend 612.

Secured along first arm 606 is a first locking bar 614. First lockingbar 618 extends from a first fixed end 614 a inward towards central bodyportion 604 above first arm 614 to a first free end 614 b. Secured alongsecond arm 610 is a second locking bar 616. Second locking bar 616extends from a second fixed end 616 a inward towards central bodyportion 604 above second arm 610 to a second free end 616 b.Alternately, either or both of locking bars 610, 616 may be secured at apoint proximal to the central body portion, and extend outward to adistal free ends. In such an embodiment, the arms 606, 610 may also belevel or provided with upward sweep.

Hanger 600 operates in a similar fashion to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, except that in this embodiment, the arm itself performsthe function of the support bar. The article to be suspended is placedboth between a locking bar and an arm, and above a locking bar. Theweight of the article will deflect the locking bar into engagement witharm, securely holding the article by the portion therebetween.

In the above embodiments, the locking bars are generally illustratedsecured at distal points, and extend inward, as are the support bars.However, either the support bars or the locking bars, irrespective ofeach other or of a complementary support or locking bar, may be securedat a proximal point, and extend distally, without departing from thescope of the invention.

The exemplary material contemplated for hangers according to the presentinvention is some form of plastic, particularly those suitable forhigh-volume injection molding, including, polystyrene, ABS, SAN, ADS,PPO, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, polycarbonates, acrylicsand PVC, among numerous other plastic compositions. Each composition maybe provided with different colorings in conformance with the specificdemands of the customer. Other materials are also suitable, including avariety of metals, dictated principally by the particular materialproperties, including but not limited to modulus of elasticity, and theresulting necessary dimensions in order to support and secure a range ofanticipated loads to be suspended from the hanger. Such metals may beformed into the present invention by processes including casting,forging, bending, stamping, or powder metallurgy.

The present invention has been described with respect to certainexemplary and preferred embodiments. However, certain alterations ormodifications will be apparent to those skilled in that art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. The foregoing descriptionsare meant to be illustrative, and not limiting on the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the appended claims.

1. a hanger comprising: a first hook portion extending above a centralbody portion; first and second arms, each extending laterally outwardfrom the central body portion to a respective first and second distalend; a first locking bar having a first end secured distally along thefirst arm and extending inward towards the central body portion beneaththe first arm to a free second end; a first support bar having a thirdend secured distally along the first arm and extending inward towardsthe central body portion beneath the first locking bar to a fourth end;a second support bar having a fifth end secured distally along thesecond arm and extending inward towards the central body portion beneaththe second arm to a sixth end; a second locking bar having a seventh endsecured distally along the second arm and extending inward towards thecentral body portion beneath the second arm and above the second supportbar to a free eighth end; wherein the locking bar is dimensioned todeflect to interface the support bar under a predetermined minimumforce, and further wherein the second end of the first locking barextends at least to the sixth end of the second support bar and abovethe second support bar.
 2. A hanger comprising: a first hook portionextending above a central body portion; first and second arms, eachextending laterally outward from the central body portion to arespective first and second distal end; a first locking bar having afirst end secured along the first arm and extending inward toward thecentral body portion and beneath the first arm to a second end; and afirst support bar having a third end secured along the second arm andextending inward towards the central body portion at least to the firstend of the first locking bar and beneath the first locking bar to afourth end.
 3. The hanger according to claim 2, wherein the locking baris dimensioned to deflect to interface the supporting bar under apredetermined minimum force.
 4. The hanger according to claim 2, whereinthe supporting bar and locking bar are dimensioned to support together apredetermined maximum force.
 5. The hanger according to claim 2, whereina lower surface of the locking bar and an upper surface of the firstsupport bar are provided with complementary profiles.
 6. A hangercomprising: a first hook portion extending above a central body portion;a first arm extending laterally outward from the central body portion toa first distal end; a first locking bar having a first fixed end securedalong the first arm and extending inward beyond a midpoint of the hangerand beneath the first arm to a first free end; and a first support barhaving a second fixed end secured along the first arm and extendinginward beyond a midpoint of the hanger and beneath the first locking barto a second free end.
 7. The hanger according to claim 6 wherein thelocking bar is dimensioned to deflect to interface the supporting barunder a predetermined minimum force.
 8. The hanger according to claim 6,wherein the supporting bar and locking bar are dimensioned to supporttogether a predetermined maximum force.
 9. The hanger according to claim6, wherein a lower surface of the locking bar and an upper surface ofthe first support bar are provided with complementary profiles.
 10. Ahanger comprising: a first hook portion extending above a central bodyportion; first and second arms, each extending laterally outward fromthe central body portion to respective first and second distal ends; anda first locking bar having a first end secured to the hanger andextending adjacent the first arm to a second end, wherein the firstlocking bar is dimensioned to deflect to interface a support under apredetermined minimum force.
 11. The hanger according to claim 10,further comprising a second locking bar having a third end secured tothe hanger and extending adjacent the second arm to a fourth end,wherein the second locking bar is dimensioned to deflect to interface asupport under a predetermined minimum force.
 12. The hanger according toclaim 10, wherein the support comprises one of the first arm, and afirst support bar having a fifth end secured to the hanger and extendingadjacent the first locking bar to a sixth end.
 13. The hanger accordingto claim 10, wherein the first locking bar is positioned above the firstarm.
 14. A method for hanging a flexible article, the method comprising:a. providing a hanger having at least a hook portion, a support beneaththe hook portion and a flexible locking bar between the support and thehook portion; b. folding the flexible article over itself at least once;c. positioning one side of the folded article between the locking barand the support; d. positioning another side of the folded article abovethe locking bar; and e. allowing the weight of the article to deflectthe locking bar into engagement with the support, thereby securing theside of the folded article located therebetween.
 15. The method forhanging a flexible article according to claim 14, further comprisingsuspending the hanger from a support by the hook portion.
 16. The methodfor hanging a flexible article according to claim 14, wherein a lowersurface of the locking bar and an upper surface of the support areprovided with complementary profiles.